HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Department of Health confirmed that as of today, March 17 at 12 a.m., there are 20 additional positive cases of COVID-19 in the commonwealth.
DOH officials say that this brings the statewide total to 96. All are either in isolation at home or being treated at the hospital.
According to the DOH, the additional cases are as follows: two in Allegheny County; one in Beaver County; three in Bucks County; two in Chester County; five in Cumberland County; two in Delaware County; two in Montgomery County; two in Philadelphia County; and one in Washington County.
“Our reporting has shifted to a daily update at 12 p.m. based on results reported to the department by 12 a.m., as the volume of test results continue to increase,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said.
“Pennsylvanians have a very important job right now: stay calm; stay home and stay safe. We have seen case counts continue to increase and the best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is stay home.”
Health officials say that statewide, there are 96 cases of COVID-19 reported from commercial, hospital and state labs. There are 879 patients who have tested negative.
With commercial labs being the primary testing option for most Pennsylvanians, health officials explained that data is not available on the total number of tests pending.
Statewide – The Wolf Administration has:
- issued updated guidanceon essential and non-essential businesses.
- announced mitigation effortsstatewide, beginning March 17.
- closed all Pennsylvania k-12 schoolswith additional guidance forthcoming.
- in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), for the next eight weeks, called on organizers (whether groups or individuals) to cancel or postpone in-person events that consist of 10 people or more throughout the United States.
- encouraged religious leaders to exercise discretion in order to mitigate the spread of illness.
- initiated a no-visitor policy at all state correctional facilities and nursing homes to ensure the safety of inmates, residents, staff and visitors.
- restricted visitors in state centers to ensure health and safety for individuals with an intellectual disability.
- restricted visitors in assisted living and personal care homes to minimize exposure to our seniors and individuals with disabilities.
The Wolf Administration stresses the role Pennsylvanians play in helping to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Note these have been updated as of March 15:
- Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
- Cover any coughs or sneezes with your elbow, not your hands.
- Clean surfaces frequently.
- Stay home to avoid spreading COVID-19, especially if you are unwell.
